It is sometimes too easy to be caught up in the day-to-day minutiae of running your retail business or brand, without also considering what the future might look like and how the demands of today’s consumers will shape your business decisions going forward.

Maison de Siam expands silver range

Launched back in July 2016, the brand offers hand-crafted jewellery made by artisan communities in the hill tribes of northern Thailand. The social enterprise aims to invest in the future of the Thai communities by supporting a local education charity.

The expanded collection, comprising new silver bangles was a direct response to the popularity of the original designs cited Matt Ryland managing director for Maison de Siam: “After the initial success of our current pieces and listening to the great feedback we have received; it was an easy decision to increase the range that we offer.

“We are incredibly proud to be able to bring these unique and beautiful pieces to our new and current customers but also the fact that it means we are able to contribute more to the artisan communities who make the jewellery by way of purchasing more and also maintain and increase the sponsorship of the students we support through school,” explained Ryland.

Created by husband and wife team, Matt and Alex Ryland the idea to help local communities was conceived three years ago whilst the couple travelled around the north of Thailand.

“I have been lucky enough to visit the hill tribe communities who make the jewellery and have seen the very manual process – some of our pieces can take hours to make. The skills to craft these are passed down from generation to generation and it’s incredible to watch. When the craftspeople have less demand for their silverwork, they go to work in their fields and live a frugal subsistence lifestyle.

“We are really proud that we can support those less fortunate than us in rural Thailand, and look forward to seeing the continued success that these young people enjoy with our support,” added Ryland.